Exec Summary Special School District Partnership Agreement

School District of Clayton For Information | Action Required Board of Education Special School District Partnership Agreement- For Approval September 25, 2024 Summary The Board of Education is being asked to support the continuing partnership between the School District of Clayton and the Special School District (SSD) of St. Louis County in providing special education services. The partnership agreement is a commitment by both districts to a collaborative model with expectations in seven categories including: Staffing, Teaching, Learning, & Accountability/Professional Development, Collaboration of Responsibilities and Resources, Student Services, Data and Technology, Transportation, and Career and Technical Education. Description of Agenda Item A recommendation is being presented to the Board of Education to approve the partnership agreement with the Special School District to provide special education services and career and technical education to Clayton students. This allows for a continuum of educational services for students with disabilities and outlines the districts’ shared responsibilities. Background Information Special School District of St. Louis County has two distinct functions- providing special education services for all St. Louis County students with disabilities and providing career technical education for area high school students. SSD is a public school district with its own tax levy and governing council. This governance structure, coupled with a distinctive educational delivery system provides many opportunities for partnership among SSD and its Partner Districts. The partnership helps provide equitable and seamless implementation of services for every student. The purpose of the partnership agreement is to foster an inclusive and collaborative approach that enhances knowledge and awareness of expectations among all parties. It serves as a tool to monitor collaborative leadership, decision-making, and practices across seven key categories, while also guiding productive conversations to ensure alignment and accountability. The Partner District Liaison and Director of Special Education will meet each fall and spring to assess and establish metrics for ongoing collaboration and shared responsibilities. Action steps are mutually agreed upon and monitored throughout the school year to ensure continuous progress. Additionally, other stakeholders, including leadership, staff, students, and the community provide input on the partnership's progress, as applicable. Recommendation It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the SSD partnership agreement in order to continue educational services and supplemental support that enable all children to achieve their full potential. Motion Approve the Special School District Partnership Agreement. Submitted by: Dr. Kelly Sollberger, Assistant Superintendent- Human Resources